China Put on Notice by Australia's Anti-Interference Laws
- Legislation risks exacerbating diplomatic spat with Beijing
- U.S. looking to pass its own anti-foreign interference rules
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Australia is set to become the first developed country to pass sweeping laws against foreign interference, in a move aimed at reducing Chinese meddling in national affairs and seen as the inspiration for legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress.
Two bills that toughen penalties for espionage and require people or organizations acting in the interests of overseas powers to register and disclose their ties were debated in the Senate Wednesday, a day after passing the lower house. They are supported by both major political parties, meaning they have enough support to become law as early as Wednesday.